Korean trailblazer Kim Ra-kyung pitches in revived U.S. women's pro baseball league

Kim Ra-kyung stepped onto the mound for the New York Hyatts in the historic opening game of the revived Women's Professional Baseball League (WPBL). The 72-year-old league, which last operated in 1954, saw Kim, a trailblazer for Korean women's baseball, throw the first pitch.

Kim pitched four innings, giving up two hits, four walks, and four runs while striking out four batters. She achieved the league's first-ever strikeout. Although her team led 8-4 when she left the mound, the bullpen couldn't hold the lead, and the team eventually lost, delaying Kim's potential first win.

Kim's journey to the WPBL is marked by pioneering achievements. She began playing baseball in 2012 and was the youngest player ever selected for the South Korean women's national team in 2015. She also played in Japan's industrial league and later for the Seibu Lions Ladies before trying out for the WPBL. Despite an elbow injury requiring Tommy John surgery, she persevered.

Kim was drafted 11th overall in the first round by the New York Hyatts. She was joined in the U.S. by fellow Korean players catcher Kim Hyun-ah and shortstop Park Ju-a, who were also drafted. The WPBL begins its season with four teams: New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Boston, playing a 15-game regular season.